Noel was already having the worst season of his young career and was in Rick Carlisle’s doghouse even before the surgery. Saturn will also affect his natal Mercury (mobility) in the next few weeks. Noel’s limitations were predicted by Astrohoops. This is going to be a period of rethinking life and priorities for Noel.

November 26, 2017: “Marc Gasol is angry and confused about not playing in the fourth quarter Sunday evening during a home loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Memphis suffered its eighth straight defeat with Gasol sitting for the final 12 minutes”.

Aspect:

Transit Saturn in square with natal Mars.

Transit Mercury in square with Natal Mars.

Natal Positions:

Mars in 27° Pisces

Venus in 26° Pisces

Transits:

Saturn in 27° Sagittarius

Mercury in 26° Sagittarius

Comment:

We anticipated this (2017-2018 predictions). The transit of Mercury acted as a trigger for the transit Saturn square with Gasol’s natal Mars to explode. Transit Saturn has been pressing Gasol and Mercury (which symbolizes thought, speech, communication etc.), helped to vent the frustration verbally after the loss.

The fact that his natal Venus is in conjunction with his natal Mars, shows that his physical body is in total alignment with his emotions, hence the anger and confusion.

Gasol’s efficiency is already decreased so far this season, which is another classic symptom of Saturn squaring his natal Mars.

“Aberrations of the human mind are to a large extent due to the obsessional pursuit of some part-truth, treated as if it were a whole truth.”
― Arthur Koestler

♏︎ ♒︎

The Moon will be making an interesting sequence of aspects in the next few days which is worth breaking down.

Thursday, the Moon enters the sign of Scorpio and almost immediately will trine the South Node of the Moon in Pisces. This could be thought of as getting a glimpse of the past, something hidden in the deep end resurfacing or finding ourselves obsessing over a memory we thought was buried forever.

*Since we are between eclipses (the next one being on February 26) a more intense dream life is possible and revelations could come during your sleep.

The Moon in Scorpio will then trine Neptune in Pisces late Thursday night/early Friday morning. We can imagine this aspect as swimming through an underwater tunnel and coming across a sea monster and having to find the courage to get past a deep instinctual fear in order to swim through. There is a fine line between trusting our intuition and being carried away by delusional or irrational fears. Since the Moon in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces are both Water signs, things could escape our conscious awareness as we are led by involuntary or visceral undercurrents. Do not get discouraged by things which are outside your control: work with what you have.

Friday morning or afternoon (depending where you live) the Moon in Scorpio will square Mercury in Aquarius while Mercury square Mars in Aries (ruler of the Moon in Scorpio) and briefly after that, the Moon will sextile Pluto in Capricorn before going void of course.

How we handle information and how we decide to communicate what we know could be challenged in some ways. How information is used to manipulate will be more obvious than usual and it could be a good time to assess what we let in and how we use it. Getting to the bottom of something in order to have more control over it can be a positive thing as long as we are clear about the specific motivations behind our actions. There could be an obsession around truth and technology which somehow lies beyond our immediate comprehension. The relationship between information and power is sure to be highlighted. These aspects could bring forth surprising tactics used through technology in order to control and dominate. Pay attention to what arises as we are heading towards dynamic astrological aspects in the last 10 days of February.

This tension could challenge us to think outside of our comfort zone in order to come up with innovative ideas that will help us move forward.

AQUARIUS 29

The sound of dripping water echoes through a great stone room. The most unusual and distinctive of inward conditions. You are held within a mode of awareness that is from another time and place altogether. You have nothing to say and nothing to do. There is no power of individual life-force. Instead you see as the ancient ones see. Utter unworldliness to a point of dissociation from surface experience. A part of the mind transported by a reverie of timeless, effortless realization. Everything is clear. The subtlest, most refined things are obvious. It is all a matter of perspective, and here the perspective is that the only thing that matters is how the inward resonant echo registers and where it leads you in choiceless awareness, in communion with the Gods.

The sequence of aspects on Monday September 12 are very dynamic. First Mercury square Mars in the sign of the fiery archer. This can bring a variety of side effects including more unpleasant ones. There could be volatility in communications and impulsive missives fired. Strong opinions and even zealousness about ones beliefs and firmly held opinions will be flying left and right. A sense of righteousness permeates the day and this can play out on various stages in our lives including our personal relationships. The truth is trying to surface. With Jupiter at 0 degree of Libra and ruling over Mars in Sagittarius, a compromising and diplomatic approach is favoured over impulsiveness. It’s an excellent day to tackle projects that require a lot of efforts and stay on course if you can.

After its dynamic encounter with Mars in Sagittarius, Mercury conjunct the Sun in Virgo and sits in the Solar throne. A moment of clarity and perhaps something that had remained hidden from sight is revealed. A door opens briefly and we get a glimpse, a clue, an indication of things to come. Take note. Much can be accomplished and there is a good dose of intuition available if you are in a creative field.

We know where [ Hermes ] comes from and what type of consciousness he exemplifies. He is most likely the same dark depth of being from which we all originate. Perhaps for this reason Hermes can so convincingly hover before us, lead us on our ways, show us golden treasures in everyone through the split-second timing which is the spirit of finding and thieving- all of this because he creates his reality out of us, or more properly through us, just as one fetches water not so much out of a well as through the well from the much deeper regions of the earth . . . Despite the thievery and deceit and shamelessness- and this is probably the most wonderful thing about it- a divine innocence is properly suited to and inherent in it. Hermes has nothing to do with sins and atonement. What he brings with him from the springs of creation is precisely the “innocence of becoming.”

— Karl Kerenyi, from Hermes: Guide of Souls

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

It’s in twilight when it comes. The shift of hue and space arrives, transmuting sunlight into variegated shadow, enveloping life in a polychromatic caress of sensuous mood and mysterious measure. With a flash of light Mercury descends retrograde into the darkening brilliance of sunset, disappearing into its invisible, underworld phase with a message to receive. The sign of Virgo where Mercury stations in stillness is the nocturnal home of Hermes, the quicksilver messenger and companion of black night whose serpentine staff enchants and lulls, whose fluttering wings break open any static sleepiness of mind. As Mercury slows down, comes to a standstill, and then turns backward in retrograde motion through the zodiac, we cross a liminal threshold that invites alterations of mental fixations and openings to manifold perspectives.

In the realm of popular culture, periods of Mercury retrograde are known as disastrous aberrations in which Mercury becomes a scapegoat for all misfortunes and mishaps. Yet the Mercury retrograde period is a regular cyclical phenomenon that happens at least three times every year, an essential aspect of Mercury’s orbit just like the consistent blackening of the Moon in its orbit. Unlike the astrological stereotypes, important actions can be initiated during Mercury retrograde as well as successful contracts signed. However, during Mercury retrograde it is advisable to sustain mental alertness and be open to signs, symbols, and information in your environment that can help guide your intuition toward which actions to take or commitments to make.

Mercury retrograde is intrinsic to Mercury in astrology, a planetary archetype of contesting and contrasting. While Mercury signifies insight and smooth communication, the lessons of Mercury do not always come from stability, as experience shows that chaos and disorientation lead to illumination and realization. Once Mercury moves retrograde it descends from being a visible Evening Star into an invisible, subterranean guide of soul catalyzing change and growth in situations that range widely from the frustrating to the enlivening. Flowing with Mercury retrograde involves letting go of strict control and order, opening to the wisdom coming from unexpected sources. As the changeable nature of Mercury is found in its extremely variable speed, when Mercury slows dow to station it is important to pay attention to its aspects in the natal chart as well as to other planets by transit. The Mercury retrograde in Virgo begins with the strange brew of Mercury stationing in a beneficial conjunction with Jupiter and Venus, at the entrance into a dramatic portal of eclipses.

Mercury stations retrograde in Virgo on 30 August 2016 at a Dark Moon two days before an annular Solar Eclipse. In the blackness of the Balsamic Moon, Mercury will be surrounded by Venus and Jupiter with all three planets visible during the changing colors of sunset. Since Mercury is both at home and exalted in Virgo, and surrounded on both sides by the visionary Jupiter and the pleasing Venus, Fortuna smiles upon this alignment. Furthering fortune, at the same time Mercury stations retrograde Venus enters her own sign of Libra where she will luxuriate for the entirety of the backward motion of Mercury, increasing in brightness as an Evening Star. However, these signs of expansive harmony coexist with Mercury stationing at the time of a potent Solar Eclipse in hard aspect to Mars, Saturn, and Neptune. Mercury retrograde in Virgo will be the psychopomp guiding us through an eclipse season that will call for the release of old attachments and beliefs, but in the letting go a space will open for nurturing innovation.

The Cultivation of Ideas (1928) by Renee Magritte

In ‘nature’ there’s no choice-
flowers
swing their heads in the wind, sun & moon
are as they are. But we seem
almost to have it ( not just
available death )

It’s energy; a spider’s thread: not to
‘go on living’ but to quicken, to activate: extend:
Some have it, they force it-

with work or laughter or even
the act of buying, if that’s
all they can lay hands on-

It has no grace like that of
the grass, the humble rhythms, the
falling & rising of leaf and star;
it’s barely
a constant. Like salt:
take it or leave it

The ‘hewers of wood’ & so on; every damn
craftsman has it while he’s working
but it’s not
a question of work: some
shine with it, in repose. Maybe it is
response, the will to respond- (‘reason
can give nothing at all / like
the response to desire’) maybe
a gritting of the teeth, to go
just that much further, beyond the end
beyond whatever ends to begin, to be, to defy.

–Denise Levertov, Beyond the End

Virgo is a mutable earth sign in which Mercury is exalted and comfortably at home, with all of its resources and tools at its disposal. As a result, the tricks and wayward paths Mercury guides us through during its retrograde promise to make essential aspects of our reality illuminated even when reinforcing the obscurity of our world and the impossibility of knowing everything clearly. Virgo is an inwardly directed and receptive place for Mercury to burrow into fertile sources of research, devise practical solutions to current predicaments, discern dietary and physical routines to fortify the body, and purify the mind from whatever heavy issues have been accumulating and weighing one down.

The year of 2016 has had the theme of Mercury being retrograde in earth signs (Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn in January; Mercury retrograde in Taurus in April and May), a sequence of retrogrades that has called for us to reorient to the surrounding material world and the way we create meaning out of our senses. Our relationship with finances and the flow of resources in our life has also been highlighted by Mercury being retrograde in earth signs this year, and will again be significant with the God of Commerce being in its home of Virgo. Since Mercury stations retrograde in sync with a Solar Eclipse in Virgo, and a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces follows, this retrograde in Virgo promises to be most pivotal in terms of adjusting our resources and livelihood in connection with the momentous changes of the current year.

Another theme of the three Mercury retrogrades so far this year is that each of them has had significant aspects with Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto, resulting in cathartic change in our vision of life and the manner in which we use our will-force to manifest fulfillment. As a result of the surrounding astrological climate, Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo will bring increased emphasis to reorienting personal beliefs, opening awareness more acutely to how perception and knowledge are bound to one’s own sense of culture and existence. Mercury retrograde in Virgo can be used to uncover how one’s beliefs have to do with whatever one is used to or not used to experiencing. While Mercury is retrograde in Virgo situations will present themselves in a way that facilitates rearranging or releasing old conceptual thought patterns rooted in belief systems Mercury will be able to loosen.

The pull of Mercury retrograde within to know thyself on deeper levels is amplified by the inner focus of Virgo. Since Mars and Saturn both signify separation, the beginning of the retrograde involves dealing with whatever difficult losses or challenges have come into our life in correspondence with Mars and Saturn aligning at the Heart of the Scorpion (the fixed star Antares). Mercury stationing retrograde while surrounded by Jupiter and Venus points toward healing oneself from the vast well within, eventually coalescing what has been fragmented to return to a sense of wholeness. The Virgo retrograde of Mercury can open newfound self knowledge from within that catalyzes defiant strength in overcoming adversity and going beyond previous limitations.

Rene’ Magritte (1959) The Castle of the Pyrenees

Swing of the scythe
illuminated, displaced
into my book of hours, the falling
grass, gold leafed
on the uneven
left upper windowpane-

But way up on the hill
the drift of field-air around you,
the scythe singing,
and what birds you may hear.

— Denise Levertov, Down Here and up There

The final last quarter square between Saturn in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces that has dominated the astrological atmosphere in the past year is a core aspect of Mercury being retrograde in Virgo. Additionally, the overarching influence that Mars has possessed in 2016 is also mediated by Mercury, as its Virgo retrograde begins with Mars having finally moved beyond the shadow zone of the red planet’s retrograde, and finally having activated its new phase with Saturn and its last quarter square phase with Neptune. Making these themes of Mars, Saturn, and Neptune even more extreme is that Mars and Saturn are in square to the transiting lunar nodes, Neptune is conjoining the transiting South Node of the Moon, and at the beginning of the Mercury retrograde there is a dramatic Solar Eclipse that is opposite Neptune, square to Saturn and Mars, and conjunct the transiting North Node of the Moon. Since the Mercury retrograde begins with a Solar Eclipse, there is a deeply mysterious element to the underworld journey Hermes will guide us through that will defy full understanding until a later time of reflection.

In part the square between Saturn and Neptune is about the boundaries and structures in every dimension of life. While Saturn and Neptune in square can reveal ironic insight and the underlying meaning in the bones of any matter, with Mercury retrograde in Virgo we will also sense how the very idea of being able to penetrate with analysis to core understanding and rationally solve all problems through ordering is a fantasy in itself. Neptune signifies an immaterial dimension that goes beyond intellectual understanding, and so Mercury in its retrograde role will play the part of Socrates, revealing the ignorance of mental frameworks in order to initiate deeper searches for how to live a life of genuine happiness. At the same time, the limitations and boundaries of Saturn are necessary to effectively integrate Neptune in a manner that keeps one grounded. The Virgo retrograde of Mercury in tandem with Mars in Sagittarius can focus awareness on the details needed to keep ourselves healthy and operating at an optimal level of energy in our environment.

The sign of Virgo forms a superior square to Sagittarius, a concept that points to the purification of Virgo taking precedence during the retrograde over the hardened, heavy realities of Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius. The tension between Mars, Saturn, and Neptune at the beginning of Mercury’s retrograde reveal us to be at the tentative beginning of a new cycle, with an old cycle that has already culminated being in its last remnants of disintegration. There has also been a Mars catalyst of activating serious determination to set targets for long range goals. As a result, Mercury retrograde in Virgo can aid us in purifying the past through weaving elements of what has been lost together with the opening for the unknown future they have created. Mercury in its underworld journey can guide us to places that will recover and repair wounds of the past cycle, refortifying our capacity to fully embody the present moment.

The Deer Looking Itself in the Water by Marc Chagall

Under the harvest sun the heart
ripens on its wall;
under the heat of noon the mind
like a leaf is cool.
The angelus and the goat bell
sway across the grass;
butterflies in blue mid-air
touch and spin apart.
Any attempted dream must fall
to ruin in this light, must pass
before the mocking glance
of idle animals.
There is no need to escape
from the motionless mountain
there is no need to escape
when here the indifferent lake
accepts a nervous image,
demands no affirmation
of innocence or faith.

— Denise Levertov, Sarnen

Mercury in the Heart

When Mercury is retrograde it is passing in between the orbits of Earth and the Sun, which is what creates the illusion that it is moving backward through the zodiac from our perspective on Earth. As a result, when Mercury retrograde conjoins the Sun during its retrograde it is in alignment with our planet as close at it ever gets. This is the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury when Mercury is said to be cazimi, at the heart of the Sun. This window of time in which Mercury passes within a degree of the Sun (some say it is really within 17 minutes of the Sun) is a magical moment in the synodic cycle of Mercury in which all of its significations are strengthened by the Solar Light. It is a rebirth of the Mercury archetype in our life, as Mercury has been undergoing a purifying regeneration in the beams of the Sun while approaching the conjunction. Mercury enters the heart of the Sun on September 12 while also being square to Mars in Sagittarius. It comes two days after the final exact square between Saturn and Neptune and so has a lot to do with the aftermath of their upheaval.

Though the square between Mars in Sagittarius and the Mercury-Sun union is most exact, it is also significant considering the Saturn-Neptune influence that Chiron in Pisces is in range of a square to Mars and an opposition to Mercury cazimi. Chiron functions as a bridge between the realm of Saturn and the realm of Neptune that stretches far beyond the rings of Saturn. As a result of its retrograde movement, Mercury will also end up passing back and forth across an opposition with Chiron three different times. Chiron’s influence fosters the purification of Virgo and the healing of wounds that can ultimately lead one to embody a higher frequency in which heavy accumulations of the psyche have been burned off.

However, with Mars forming an exact square to Mercury’s union with the Sun it means that there will be a lot of intensity, if not external conflict than internal conflict to face in any rebirth process. Mercury at the heart of the Sun in this retrograde cycle is incredibly active and martial in force, capable of propelling oneself dramatically forward. If instead the Mars influence on Mercury’s Inferior Conjunction leads to more of a wounding crash, than the remaining Mercury retrograde period can be utilized to begin readjusting and reorienting as needed.

Vasily Kafanov (1998) Mystery of the Fishtower

When the white fog burns off,
the abyss of everlasting light
is revealed. The last cobwebs
of fog in the
black firtrees are flakes
of white ash in the world’s hearth.

Cold of the sea is counterpart
to this great fire. Plunging
out of the burning cold of ocean
we enter an ocean of intense
noon. Sacred salt
sparkles on our bodies.

After mist has wrapped us again
in fine wool, may the taste of salt
recall to us the great depths about us.

–Denise Levertov, The Depths

Four days after Mercury unites with the Sun, a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces will illuminate the heart of the Mercury retrograde cycle. Once again Mars in Sagittarius holds extraordinary influence, as it forms a close square to the Lunar Eclipse. Chiron is also highlighted once again as it will conjoin the Lunar Eclipse, echoing the extremely powerful Total Solar Eclipse in March 2016 that was also conjoining Chiron. Mercury retrograde at this point will be moving toward a trine to Pluto and away from its square to Mars. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse lights up the full polarity of the sign of Virgo with martial ferociousness. In collective events, it is an ominous configuration in terms of increased violence coming from crusaders, martyrs, terrorists, and persecutors fixated on dogmatic belief systems. The shadow side of Virgo that can involve responding to chaotic change through overexerting control or obsessing over perfectionistic ideals could come out if we are not careful. If we can enter the flow of this eclipse, we can instead let go of control and enter the pure space of whatever the moment is asking from us.

Fascinatingly, the Sekhmet archetype will be involved in this section of Mercury’s underworld journey as the Sekhmet asteroid #5381 will be conjunct both the Virgo Sun at the time of the Lunar Eclipse (at 24º Virgo) as well as conjunct Mercury’s Inferior Conjunction (at 23º Virgo). Though some may scoff at the significance of an obscure asteroid placement in this overall astrological arrangement, I had been feeling a strong intuition connected with Sekhmet which is what led me to notice its alignment with the Mercury retrograde. Sekhmet is an ancient lion headed goddess, primordial and fierce, whose fiery rage brings purification. Sekhmet, Great One of Magic, Lady of Transformations, At Whose Wish the Arts were Born, Self-Contained, Opener of Ways, Satisfier of Desires, Destroyer by Fire, Devouring One, The One Who Holds Back Darkness, Lady of the Waters of Life, Great One of Healing . . . her epithets are multitudinous, her nature impossible to fully encompass in language.

Sekhmet’s presence during Mercury retrograde makes the virginal maiden of Virgo a lion headed goddess on the prowl through the desert landscapes of our dreams and inner psychic life, destroying old, obsolete, and decaying attachments with her ferocious form. Since Mars the red planet is so emphasized at this point of the Mercury retrograde, and in fact Mars forms a square to the Sekhmet asteroid at this time, it is further compelling that red is a sacred color to Sekhmet just as red is the shade the Moon turns during a Lunar Eclipse. Sekhmet has a message that any anger that arises in association with Mars in Sagittarius during the Mercury retrograde can be utilized to purify and burn off whatever needs to be let go and released.

Frida Kahlo (1943) Roots

The gleam of thy drenched
floors of leaf-layers! Fragrance
of death and change!
If there is only
now to live, I’ll live
the hour till doom stroke
crouched with the russet toad,
my huge human size
no more account than a bough fallen:

not upward,
searching for branch-hidden sky:
I’ll look
down into paradise.

Equinox Stationing

Mercury will station direct at the time of the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Mercury also stations in range of some powerful aspects: a trine to Pluto in Capricorn, a square to Saturn in Sagittarius, an opposition to Neptune in Pisces, and a conjunction with the North Node of the Moon. However, the most exact and catalytic aspect formed by Mercury as it stations is a square with the Moon, as the Moon will be in Gemini creating a Mutable Grand Cross between the Moon, Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, and the lunar nodes. Mercury will be receiving the Moon as a result, and so this moment of Mercury stationing direct portends a bigger shift in mental framework than is typically the case when Mercury stations direct. The aspects surrounding Mercury stationing direct in Virgo suggest it is a significant moment of mediation not only for the past Mercury retrograde cycle, but for the events of the entire year so far.

As Mercury stations direct, it shifts from being invisible to once again making an appearance during the fiery rise of the Sun as a Morning Star, a condition that to Hellenistic astrologers signified a transmission of an oracular message. It is beautiful symbolism that Mercury stations direct at the time of the Equinox, a time of rebalancing between night and day, a season in the Northern Hemisphere in which cool dry winds begin to blow as green leaves shift to shades of auburn and gold. My personal view of astrology is that all Mercury retrograde phases signify vital regeneration, however, this particular Mercury retrograde in Virgo appears to signify cathartic rebirth that goes beyond the norm for Mercury retrograde. It may not feel easy at times, but as John Lennon sang “Living is easy with eyes closed / misunderstanding all you see.” As the Sun enters the sign of the Scales as Mercury begins to move forward again as a Morning Star, our mind will recalibrate to focus with revivified heart on the desires that will bring us greater happiness and fulfillment in the season ahead.

MARS also catalyzed the big PLUTO purge in Jan / early Feb since PLUTO rules SCO, and is also the transpersonal version of MARS (higher power vs. personal power and assertion). So, we already had our share, and hopefully used the intensity wisely. Maybe it takes some time to process and integrate what’s been going on (so much at once).

Have you noticed more energetic support in flushing out what needs to be eliminated and transformed, since MARS is now at the end of SCO (since mid-Feb)?

What’s been ‘poking and provoking’ us, even though it might feel fierce, is actually also good medicine for transformation and empowerment.

What’s next?

As MARS crosses over the ‘Phoenix Point’ from SCO to SAG, tomorrow March 5, let its fiery energy burn off what you’re not, and give you a boost into rebirth! What needs to be purged in your life, esp. in the area related to the house where SCO / SAG is???

Also, MERCURY will enter PI tomorrow March 5! Before that, MERCURY on the AQ – PI cusp with square MARS on the SCO – SAG cusp!

Let’s speak freely, and even taboos must come to the open, to transform on the pyre.

How long will MARS be in SAG?

Good question, since (you might have heard about it), MARS will go retro this Spring, from 9° SAG (on Apr 17) back to 23° SCO, on June 29. So there will be more SCO revisiting via MARS, from May 27 to Aug 2 (which will be also the LEO NEW MOON). In other words, MARS will cruise around the ‘Phoenix Point’ for quite a while this Spring and Summer.

More about that here on this Astro~News channel, before its retro journey, and we’ll also have a Transit Parlour for it. In personal sessions, we are already addressing it, wherever relevant for my clients.

If the above PISCES – VIRGO themes sound familiar, if you hear the calling and feel the resonance and could use support infinding YOUR medicine drop me a line, and we can meet, via a private session, or maybe it’s time to fully benefit from a3- or 5- session coaching sequence? Email me and we can customize it.

They are featured in the email Astro~News that go out every 2 weeks and cover the whole Astro~Weather phase from New Moon to Full Moon or FM to NM, plus offers and Astro~Experiences. I’m happy to subscribe you (pls message me your email address).

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Sat, 13 Feb 2016 06:56:36 +0000Melanie Lichtingerhttps://lichtsite.wordpress.com/go/astronews-blog/mercury-and-venus-enter-aq-feb-13-16-love-letters-to-humanity-and-freedom-%e2%99%a5/As you can see in the AQ New Moon chart in the previous post, MERCURY and VENUS are about to enter AQ which gives the AstroSphere a new lighter, more communal and liberation oriented flavour, after a concentrated CAP process over the last weeks (for MERCURY since Dec 10, with its triple PLUTO contact; for VENUS ‘only’ since the last Full Moon on Jan 23 – but a huge deal, since ‘she’ also had to pass PLUTO, on Feb 5). Once MERCURY and VENUS are in AQ only PLUTO will be ‘left’ in CAP, until Nov / Dec.

MERCURY goes first into AQ, today Feb 13 (and will journey through the AQ world until March 7).

This is a highlight for MERCURY, since it’s considered to operate optimally there, and can be the free thinker, beyond paradigms and conditionings, restrictions and fear. Time for seeing through the facades (incl. the ones of our own ego), free speech, innovative, systemic thinking. Esp. after a deep and intense Mercury retro processing phase this shift can be (understated) a breath of fresh air.

Let’s see what we come up with.

I wouldn’t be surprised if more leaks re: fear and control based power structures and corporate agenda (shadow of PLUTO in CAP) would come out and make people think more freely. Esp. round the time when MERCURY in AQ will square investigative MARS in SCO (exact on March 4), actually for both planets on the cusp (MERCURY: AQ to PI – the Coherence Point, i.o.w. we are all in this together, and MARS: SCO to SAG – the Phoenix Point). The time of the lone wolf and of the sheep-le are over….

Angel of Revelation, Painting by William Blake

VENUS follows into AQ on Feb 16 (until March 12).

Making us inclined, instead of buying into (and literally buying products from) the institutionalized, corporate ‘Big Daddy’ world, to value community and networks of real people, rather than the consumer / debt vicious cycle. A great time to come together as one, to celebrate our humanity and intrinsic freedom, with friends of all ages, colours, and from all walks of life.

They are featured in the email Astro~News that go out every 2 weeks and cover the whole Astro~Weather phase from New Moon to Full Moon or FM to NM, plus offers and Astro~Experiences. Happy to subscribe you (pls message me your email address).

If you feel the Astro~News Blog with AstroWeather & AstroMedicine has good value for you in your navigation with the cosmic currents, you might want to drop me a donation via e-transfer of PayPal to my email address licht@islandnet.com.

Although this is a relatively short aspect, it is worth paying attention to it in the next 24 hours.

Mercury in Capricorn allows us to be ambitious with a clear idea of how to proceed. Mars in the sign of Libra doesn’t find a great expression for asserting its powers.

The image is one of a diplomat pushing for his own agenda while caught in a tense exchange.

We might be quite ebullient about an idea, a project or simply knowing exactly how things should unfold but there is a potential to run against others. It is a great day to organise thoughts and delineate a schedule. Write things down!

Stay away from difficult people if possible as there is a possibility of nit-picking over minor details.

The Moon moves from Leo to Virgo later this afternoon and will probably accentuate the need to have things done a certain way.

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Tue, 29 Dec 2015 07:43:19 +0000Julian Horack Jasomatinandan Dashttps://julescape.wordpress.com/go/astrology/mercury-square-mars-so-keep-a-cool-head/Mercury is in a square (90 degree) alignment to Mars this week, suggesting that the actions of the mind and speech may be energised to the point of being potentially overactive and somewhat heated. An energised mind is great if you can find a healthy outlet, otherwise the tendency to argument and an opinionated stance may arise. If you need to defend your stance or fight for a cause, like a lawyer or some such campaigner you may be able to benefit from this alignment, but if you’re amongst friends and family then just be careful not to get into a needless heated debate about something unnecessary or insignificant. You don’t want to ruin the friendship just because someone moved your cheese. The problem is that you may come to a conclusion as to who moved your cheese based on inconclusive evidence or unwarranted suspicion, thus jumping down the throat of the wrong person to look for your cheese or finding crumbs where there are none. Under today’s circumstances our judgement may need further deliberation or hard evidence to avoid fallibility…by Julian Horack Jasomatinandan Das

We’re in for one hell of a ride in January 2016, with the planet of communication turning backward in hard aspects to Mars, Pluto, and Uranus – planets that represent aggression, upheaval and radical change. The Sun is in conjunction to Pluto in Capricorn as Mercury changes direction to Retrograde in a churning, burning square to Mars, grinding into a sudden square with Uranus on the 20th that lasts until the 25th, and joining Pluto from the 22nd until the 30th. Beware of power struggles, heavy thinking (depression), manipulations and projections. There are shocks and surprises in store but many of them are meant to shake us out of a rut or situation that no longer benefits us. I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, especially since Mercury Retrograde is already such a maligned phenomenon in our culture, but can be helpful to know a bit about what we’re dealing with in advance so we’re not totally caught off guard by the chaos that may ensue from such occurrences.

This Retrograde cycle begins from one degree Aquarius on January 5th, back into Capricorn on January 8th until the 25th. Its pre-shadow phase began wreaking havoc in communications on December 18th, with its post-shadow influence lasting until February 14th. In the sign of Capricorn Mercury tends to be hard-headed, stiff, and matter-of-fact. On the bright side it may increase our somatic awareness, sturdiness and connection to the trees, rocks and soil. Concentration abilities are enhanced, leaning toward education, mathematical and scientific studies. It may also spur an interest in history and genealogy.

Our main saving grace during the coming weeks could be Mercury’s trine to Jupiter, also Retrograde from January 7th until May 9th conjunct the North Node in Virgo. Jupiter going backward will not be the most light-hearted of transits but will probably help to simplify our overly hectic lives and clarify certain areas of confusion and paranoia brought on by the recent Saturn-Neptune square that began in November 2015 and will be present throughout 2016. Jupiter is Retrograde is a great aid to all forms of healing, but does not usually bring ease to business endeavors, so it would be wise to plan and review rather than to initiate new projects during this time.

don’t be a blockhead

Capricorn is a feminine sign ruled by the “male” planet, Saturn. Opposite of birth-giving Cancer, it represents a ripe maturity and exit point for the soul, also sometimes signaling a switch-over between lifestyles or genders. Such forceful interactions between Mercury in Capricorn and other planets with a predominant male influence might grant us the precious opportunity to heal our relationship to the Sacred Masculine and Father archetype by altering our perceptions of them and how we access or suppress our own male energy in circumstances that call for it.

Entering into 2016, slow down a bit to remember the hopes and dreams of the past that seemed lost, stolen or otherwise crushed, both personally and collectively, including the those of our ancestors if there is knowledge of them. Recall the motivations, obstacles, inspirations, and miracles that have been experienced over time. Take inventory of both triumphs and failures, of what has been accomplished both with ease and through great effort and what is still yet to be attained. Resolve to continue the journey of self discovery with renewed passion and dedication. Do not cave in or give up. Commit to living your own truth, because at the end of life we will finally realize that is the best any of us could have ever done. All in due time…

I am writing to you from my new computer and I am overjoyed! For years I’ve been suffering under an inferior takes-30-minutes-to-warm-up PC (name of brand withheld, there were other problems too, many!) and this thing is a revelation.

What do the Stars say? Well when the Moon was in Leo I kinda had a fight with a friend about it. Not a fight- fight but he was giving me some advice, not bad advice, very practical advice but what he doesn’t understand is that my life is ruled by the practical. Virgo Rising! Also this computer issue wasn’t just about need and necessity, it was about the Moon in Leo: I DESERVE a decent computer. I DESERVE the BEST computer is what I told him. I made it emotional. I made it dramatic. The Moon was in Leo. And I don’t think I was wrong.

Uranus is in Aries. We want our technology (Uranus) fast (Aries). We want our Astrology (Uranus) fast (Aries). I can blog faster, literally, with this beautiful silver-winged machine. Now the Moon is in Virgo and I’m working, blogging. Later today need to install some software (oy) and I should probably do it before the Moon enters Libra and opposes Uranus because those could be some off the rails (Uranus) emotions (Moon). Or at least frazzled.

On the other hand though, Libra is “other people” and I’ll be needing “an other person” to help me with the technology. The opposition could be peaceful and balancing. This evening Mercury in Gemini squares Mars in Virgo –what you say vs. what you do. Where will you put your energy? Want to fly away? Or stay home and catalog the the post-its?

Which reminds me, I bought my computer from a gal, EXPERT sales assistant who… I started giving her an impromptu astrology reading. I couldn’t help it. When it came time to play around with the machine, what better than to visit an astrology website? And I just get curious if I talk to anyone for any length of time. I guessed her Gemini Rising (she looked the part) and actually she looked typically Virgo too (which I would not have guessed). And, dear reader, I trusted her, trusted her skills, her knowledge, even more once I knew she was a Virgo. So let that be a lesson to anyone out there who own a business,okay? Hire a Virgo. They ooze integrity and smarts.

The skies these days mirror her chart. There is always tension between Gemini and Virgo even though they are both Mercury ruled. Gemini to me feels more about quickly selecting among the pretty options and counting the chickens long long LONG after they’ve hatched whereas Virgo will worry if the chickens’ feathers are good enough. You won’t necessarily be able to balance these. You’ll feel them both. And keeping busy is the wisdom here… because then you’ll notice it less perhaps ;)

Do you talk about Astrology in your day to day life?

Love, MP

Yes I will be doing Mini-Moon Readings for the Full Moon in Sagittarius (Eclipse!)

The Sun is conjunct Mercury at 6 degrees Geminiat 7:19 am Sunday. It can be

Mercury And Spot (Photo credit: makelessnoise)

difficult to make use of Mercury when it is combust (within 8 degrees of the Sun) or under the Sun’s beams (within 17 degrees). YET when a planet like Mercury is cazimi (within 17 minutes of the center of the Sun), it can be quite powerful. “The Moon remains Cazimi for about an hour – that is, half an hour before and half an hour after the exact conjunction with the Sun (New Moon). Other things being equal, you can use the Cazimi Moon to start something if you really want it to succeed.” So there you have it – some do not see any cazimi effect but then again maybe they did not consciously pick that time to start a blog, company, or project. Mercury-Sun conjunctions are usually a very busy time, sometimes with apparent coincidences. The two Mercury-ruled signs, Gemini and Virgo, may be more affected by Mercury aspects than other signs.

Also the Mercury-Sun conjunction is in close square to Chiron at 9 degrees Pisces. Chiron could make any accidental touch injurious, so be aware of where your hands are and who is next to you or behind you. And it will definitely be better to walk away from an argument than to face charges of battery. Remember also that Mercury is applying to an unpredictable square to Mars, exact on Wednesday. Just walk away, folks. Take notes but walk away.

Mercury at 7 degrees Gemini is sextile Uranus in Aries at 7:38 pm Sunday. You find the internet useful in getting your message out. Good for posting an important blog post or news article. Or Tweet your restaurant review.

The Sun at 7 degrees Gemini is sextile Uranus in Aries at 12:04 pm Monday. Your uniqueness is expressed and finds affirmation and approval. Sudden insights can strike, turning on that light bulb above your head.

Mercury at about 14 degrees Gemini squares Mars in Virgo at 8:20 pm Wednesday. Words can literally excite you, either positively or negatively. Examples: receiving a great job offer, or being baited into a fight. You can get drawn into a debate or receive a summons in a legal case. Don’t push anyone’s buttons, not knowingly anyway.

Mercury is conjunct Venus retrograde at 18 degrees Gemini at 4:31 pm Friday. An ideal time for schmoozing with that very important contact. Mercury-Venus is good for the small talk that greases the social wheels, sharing recipes for sweet things, being charming, showing good manners. This is not anything earth-shaking but if you just need to make a contact that you hope to build into a solid network then this is the time to do so.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction falls very aptly into your house of communications; make special note of ideas and information you come across that day. You may be too impulsive and emotional on Wednesday night; avoid hurting your partner’s feelings. Thursday is much better for clearing up your communications problems with your mate. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your communications house; this favors sending out invitations and consulting books for the right phrasing on them.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – Try to avoid shooting holes in your budget Monday; avoid online shopping on the lunch break. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring arguments with children over money. You could pick up some extra work on Thursday; that’s very good for your pocketbook. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your money house; your mastery of etiquette may be a valuable resource today. Spend time Saturday morn on backyard sports with the whole family.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – The Sun is conjunct your ruler Mercury on Sunday. Keep a notepad handy to record all the ideas that whiz thru your brain; some of them may be very significant. Midday Monday favors lunch with a humorous or foreign friend. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring a family argument to a head. Trines from the Moon to Mercury and Venus favor air signs on Thursday, with more of the same on Friday due to the conjunction in your sign.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – Sunday favors getting away to a private retreat or writing workshop. You enjoy some private jokes on Monday; just be sure the boss doesn’t overhear them. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring instant karma over angry words that you unleash on others. On Thursday, use your very best etiquette in apologizing. On Saturday you finally sequester yourself at home to concentrate on your creative projects.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – The Moon is in Leo through Sunday. Your role as a greeter for a club breakfast meeting goes well. The pm favors visiting with seniors. On Monday a friend may offer an insight into a legal matter you are dealing with. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may mean a dispute with a friend over a loan not repaid. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your “friend” house; handle the phrasing of important invites and requests for donations for your lodge or club.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Moon is in Virgo from 2:06 am Monday till Wednesday morn. The Monday morn commute may be chaotic; watch signs carefully. Consciously pick an affirmation Monday night to address your current situation. Don’t expect the favor you do Tuesday to be immediately reciprocated. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring that exciting job offer – or the axe. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your career house, so do make that important contact and introduce yourself.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon is in Libra from 6:46 am Wednesday till Friday morning. A partner may be especially upsetting Wednesday night, and even threaten to leave. Count ten before speaking. Thursday may be your best day; the morn favors speaking or writing matters, and the afternoon favors – doing favors. Avoid sitting home alone that night, tho. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your ninth house so make only the most polite phrasing in online comments.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – The Moon is in Scorpio from 8:31 am Friday till next Sunday. You are inclined to take off work Friday pm to attend a matinee. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your house of joint finances; be tactful in pointing out errors in the checkbook or other joint accounts. Late Friday favors a visit with an influential person. Your energy is quite good Saturday morn so get errands out of the way. Later, you indulge your creative side, even if it’s only to re-arrange the furniture.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring arguments with your partner over career issues – perhaps your mate feels you are stinting when it comes to quality time with loved ones. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your house of partners; use your best manners with your mate especially in public. The week shows a lot of activity in relationships or dealings with the public, due to all the aspects to planets in Gemini, your solar seventh house. By week’s end you may have to make a lot of adjustments.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Monday favors tele-commuting or other work-at-home plan. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring legal matters to a head, possibly legal issues related to the workplace. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your sixth house of coworkers, so take in some treats to the office, or buy a drink after hours for a deserving client. On Saturday you could donate employees’ work hours to helping a local non-profit.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Midday Monday favors taking the children on a short trip, possibly to the art museum. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring disputes with children over the terms of your will. Trines from the Moon to Mercury and Venus favor air signs on Thursday. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your fifth house of children, so consider treating the kids as a reward for their great report cards.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – Staying at home for lunch Monday may be the right spot to be. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring a family dispute or marital strain. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your fourth house of home and family; consider hosting the coffee club this morning, or making a special family meal. Saturday morn sees you tossing the ball with friends; it could get rather competitive. The rest of the day demands that you indulge your creative side.